TEHRAN - The third Iranian-Arab Dialogue Conference, themed "For Cooperation and Interaction," convened in Tehran on Sunday, signaling a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy.

During this conference, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian underscored Iran's commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and bolstering ties with neighboring and regional partners. He emphasized the effectiveness of this approach, noting its role in fostering trust, solidifying comprehensive strategies, and achieving tangible results in collaboration with Islamic and Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

In recent months, the diplomatic landscape of West Asia has witnessed a notable shift, particularly in the relations between Iran and Arab nations. This transformation is characterized by a gradual thawing of tensions and a burgeoning of diplomatic engagement, signifying a new era of cooperation and dialogue in the region. 

One significant factor contributing to this shift is the aftermath of the True Promise Operation, where Iran emerged as a key regional actor following its retaliatory attack against Israeli targets. This event underscored Iran's military capabilities and determination to assert itself as a formidable player in West Asia.

The True Promise Operation marked a turning point in the regional power dynamics, diminishing Israeli influence and highlighting Iran's growing assertiveness. The limited response from Israel following Iran's retaliatory strike served as a testament to the changing balance of power in the region, where Iran's military capabilities and strategic depth are increasingly being recognized and respected by its neighbors.

Against this backdrop, Iran's relations with Arab nations have seen a noticeable improvement, with a renewed emphasis on dialogue and cooperation. This shift is evident in the restoration of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, a development that signifies a willingness on both sides to prioritize dialogue and mutual understanding.

Egypt on Iran’s agenda

During the third Iranian-Arab Dialogue Conference, the Iranian foreign minister also pointed out the extensive engagement between Iranian and Egyptian officials, exemplified by high-level meetings, telephone conversations, and diplomatic correspondence. These interactions occur within various contexts, such as presidential summits during joint gatherings of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League, parliamentary exchanges at BRICS meetings, and agreements between economic and financial ministers. 

Additionally, he highlighted his ongoing discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, including meetings in Riyadh, New York, and most recently in Gambia, as indicative of the shared political understanding between Cairo and Tehran regarding the efficacy of dialogue and mutual engagement in advancing bilateral relations and fostering positive regional developments.

Furthermore, Amir Abdollahian highlighted the transition from Iranian-Arab dialogue to broader regional cooperation, signaling a strategic shift in regional dynamics. 

On the sidelines of the Iranian-Arab dialogue conference, the Yemeni Ambassador to Iran highlighted the significance of these gatherings in Tehran, emphasizing their role in strengthening Palestinian resilience and building consensus between Arab nations and Iran.

Ibrahim al-Dulaimi reiterated this sentiment during an interview with a Tasnim reporter and underscored the importance of such forums in Iran for bolstering Palestinian resilience and fostering consensus among Arab nations and Iran.

Ambassador al-Dulaimi, representing Sana'a in Tehran, emphasized Yemen's commitment to safeguarding its national, Arab, and Islamic security. He noted Yemeni armed forces and navy's active engagement in military operations to support Palestinians against the aggression and incursions of the Zionist regime.

Furthermore, al-Dulaimi expressed optimism about the outcomes of the ongoing dialogues in Tehran, anticipating that they would further strengthen Palestinian resilience and cultivate consensus between Arab nations and Iran. He hoped that these discussions would ultimately deter the normalization of relations with the Zionist regime, a trend unfortunately pursued by some Arab countries.

Security in West Asia hinges on Israel’s disarmament: Iran FM

As part of his speech at the third Iranian-Arab Dialogue Conference, the Iranian foreign minister underscored that genuine peace, stability, and security in West Asia hinge on Israel's disarmament and the end of its occupation of Palestine. This sentiment resonated as the Israeli regime's actions in Gaza over the past seven months underscored the ongoing plight of the Palestinian people.

The foundation of the Israeli regime, built on the violation of Palestinian rights, occupation, and extremism, remains incompatible with peaceful coexistence with neighboring nations, according to Amir Abdollahian. 

He criticized the unwavering support provided by the United States, condemning it for enabling Israel's crimes against the Palestinian population, highlighting the hypocrisy of U.S. claims to advocate for peace and human rights.

Amir Abdollahian further emphasized that sustainable peace and stability in Palestine and the Arab-Islamic region hinge on realizing the rights of the Palestinian people, necessitating continued resistance. As a proponent of international peace and security, Iran advocates for a political solution through a referendum for the Palestinian issue and envisions a nuclear-free West Asia.

Iran stands ready to collaborate with regional and neighboring countries, as well as Muslim and Arab nations, to advance the Palestinian cause and foster regional stability. The recent war initiated by Israel in response to a retaliatory operation by Palestinian resistance movements underscores the urgent need for concerted international action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

More than 35,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women, have been killed in the war that Israel began on October 7, 2023 following a retaliatory operation by the Palestinian territory’s resistance movements.

As the geopolitical landscape in west Asia continues to change, a reevaluation of traditional alliances and alignments is on the rise. 

The aftermath of the True Promise Operation has reshaped the regional power dynamics, with Iran emerging as a key player and Israeli influence waning. Against this backdrop, Arab states have shown a willingness to engage with Iran diplomatically, recognizing the importance of cooperation and dialogue in addressing common challenges and promoting regional stability.

Iran continues to recognize the potential for cooperation with Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states, aiming to strengthen ties with neighboring countries to promote peace and stability in the region.